At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead food product development from concept to supermarket shelves.
- Company: Join a global FMCG leader driving food innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, bonuses, and wellness perks.
- Why this job: Shape exciting food products while collaborating with top retailers and teams.
- Qualifications: 1-2 years in food product development; relevant degree is a plus.
- Other info: Opportunity for travel and creative input in a dynamic environment.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 36000 £ per year.
Location: Christchurch, Dorset | Full-time | Hybrid working available
Salary: £35,000 – £40,000 DOE + Bonus + Excellent Benefits
Join a dynamic global FMCG business shaping the future of food innovation! We’re seeking a Food Product Manager to join our fast-paced, trend-led Food & Snacking division. Work across innovative own-label ranges for major UK retailers including Marks & Spencer, Aldi, and more.
If you have 1–2 years’ experience in food product development, a flair for innovation, and want to see your ideas on supermarket shelves, we want to hear from you.
What You’ll Be Doing:
- Leading the end-to-end food product development process from concept to shelf
- Researching and spotting emerging trends in snacking and HFSS-compliant products
- Briefing suppliers and attending factory trials and tastings
- Collaborating with design, marketing, technical, and supply chain teams
- Presenting ideas and samples to internal stakeholders and retailers
- Working closely with UK and EU suppliers and customers
- Occasionally travelling to trade shows and supplier sites across the UK and Europe
What You’ll Bring:
- 1–2 years' experience in commercial food product development (FMCG or retail)
- Relevant degree (e.g., Food Science, Product Innovation, Nutrition) is a plus
- Strong organisational and project management skills
- Confident communicator able to collaborate across teams
- Proactive, detail-oriented approach with a passion for product innovation
- Comfortable with MS Office and virtual meeting platforms
- Willingness to travel occasionally
Please note: This is a commercial development role – we’re looking for someone excited about shaping food products for retail, not pursuing a chef or kitchen-based career.
What You’ll Get:
- Competitive salary: £35,000 – £40,000 (DOE)
- 10% annual performance bonus + discretionary company bonus
- 25 days holiday + bank holidays (rising with service)
- Hybrid working & flexible hours after probation
- Enhanced maternity/paternity pay and company sick pay
- 7% employee / 5% employer pension contribution
- Medical cash plan, mental health support, and wellbeing perks
- Cycle to Work scheme, free parking, and regular social events
- Beautiful office location near Christchurch Quay
Interested? If you’re a food innovator ready to grow your career with a forward-thinking, collaborative FMCG business, we’d love to hear from you.
Food Product Manager employer: Dovetail Recruitment Ltd
Contact Detail:
Dovetail Recruitment Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Food Product Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in food innovation and snacking. Follow industry news, attend webinars, and engage with relevant online communities to stay ahead of the curve. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your passion for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the FMCG sector, especially those involved in product development. Attend industry events or join online forums where you can connect with others in the field. Building these relationships can lead to valuable insights and potential referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of your previous work in food product development. Think about projects where you led the process from concept to shelf, and be ready to share how you collaborated with different teams. This will showcase your experience and fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research StudySmarter and our values, particularly in relation to food innovation. Understanding our mission and how we operate will allow you to tailor your conversations during interviews, showing that you're genuinely interested in being part of our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Food Product Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in food product development. Focus on any specific projects you've worked on that demonstrate your innovation and organisational skills.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for food innovation and your understanding of the FMCG sector. Mention specific examples of how you've contributed to product development in the past.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Emphasise your project management abilities and communication skills in your application. These are crucial for collaborating with various teams and stakeholders as mentioned in the job description.
Showcase Your Knowledge of Trends: In your application, reference your awareness of current trends in snacking and HFSS-compliant products. This will demonstrate your proactive approach and alignment with the company's focus on innovation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Dovetail Recruitment Ltd
✨Show Your Passion for Food Innovation
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for food product development during the interview. Share specific examples of how you've contributed to innovative projects in the past, and discuss any trends you've noticed in the food industry that excite you.
✨Demonstrate Your Research Skills
Be prepared to talk about emerging trends in snacking and HFSS-compliant products. Research recent developments in the FMCG sector and be ready to discuss how these trends could influence product development at the company.
✨Highlight Your Collaborative Experience
Since the role involves working with various teams, share examples of successful collaborations from your previous roles. Discuss how you effectively communicated with design, marketing, and supply chain teams to achieve project goals.
✨Prepare for Practical Assessments
Given the hands-on nature of the role, be ready for practical assessments or discussions about product tastings and factory trials. Think about how you would approach these situations and what criteria you would use to evaluate products.